As of now, the Pittsburgh Pirates have several potential options for right field in 2025 through trades, free agent signings, and internal players. Here’s a breakdown of each category:
Internal Options
- Jack Suwinski (L): If he regains his 2023 form, Suwinski could be a candidate for right field. He has shown power potential and could solidify his spot with consistent performance. Fangraphs projects .5 WAR with 217 ABs.
- Billy Cook (R): Good defender in the outfield, speed and power bat, and could compete for a starting role if he continues to develop. Fangraphs has a projection of .2 WAR with 329 ABs.
- Joshua Palacios (L): Performed well in 2023, but was injured in 2024 and did not get much time in the majors. If he plays a lot, his floor is probably 1 WAR, ceiling is 2 WAR. Fangraphs projects .6 WAR.
- Nick Yorke (R): has a good bat, but is new to playing outfield.
- Ji Hwan Bae (L): speed is his calling card, but he has not produced much in a couple of stints on the active roster.
- Matt Gorski (R): Has power, speed, and a good glove. Needs to cut his strikeouts to be a good major leaguer.
Free Agent Signings
- Jurickson Profar
- Anthony Santander
- * Randal Grichuk
- Jesse Winker
- Mark Canha
- Ramon Laureano
- Jason Heyward
- * Alex Verdugo
- Kevin Pillar
- Austin Hays
The Pirates could also look for younger free agents or players coming off injury who could provide value.
Trade Options
1. Contending Teams: The Pirates could look to acquire a right fielder from a contending team that may have surplus outfielders. This could include:
- Players who are blocked by other talent or teams looking to shed salary.
- Teams with a deep farm system may be willing to trade a young outfielder for pitching or other needs.
Orioles- Heston Kjerstad (L)
Red Sox- Wilyer Abreu (L)
Guardians- Lane Thomas (R)- FA 2026
2. Rebuilding Teams: The Pirates could target players from teams in a rebuilding phase who may be looking to move established players for prospects.
Angels- Taylor Ward (R)- FA 2027
Marlins- Jesus Sanchez (L)
Conclusion
The Pirates have a variety of avenues to explore for their right field position in 2025. They can develop their internal talent, pursue free agents, or engage in trades to find the right fit. The direction they choose will depend on their performance in the coming seasons, their financial flexibility, and their overall strategy for building a competitive roster.
Version 2 by Grok
As the 2025 MLB offseason unfolds, the Pittsburgh Pirates are in a position where acquiring a new right fielder could significantly bolster their lineup. Here's an in-depth look at the various strategies and players the Pirates might consider for the right field position:
Free Agency
Randal Grichuk: Posts on X have hinted at the Pirates being close to signing Randal Grichuk to a one-year, $7 million deal. Grichuk, known for his power, could provide a steady bat in the lineup, having had a strong season prior to this one. His veteran presence might also help stabilize the younger outfielders.
Jurickson Profar and Jesse Winker: Both players have been mentioned as potential targets due to their impressive on-base percentages against right-handed pitchers. Profar, in particular, could be a significant investment but might eat into the Pirates' budget considerably. Winker could offer a similar OBP benefit at a potentially lower cost.
Trade Market
Bryan De La Cruz: There has been interest expressed in the Dominican outfielder, Bryan De La Cruz, which could be an avenue for the Pirates to explore. Trading for De La Cruz might require giving up some promising pitching prospects, but his power and ability to hit for average could be game-changing for the Pirates' outfield.
Alex Verdugo: Another name floated in discussions is Alex Verdugo. His versatility in the outfield and consistent performance make him an attractive trade target. The Pirates would need to offer a compelling package to land him from any team, but Verdugo could be the long-term solution they're looking for in right field.
Internal Options
The Pirates might also look internally before hitting the open market:
- Jack Suwinski: Already on the roster, Suwinski has shown potential in the outfield. With some more seasoning, he could potentially take over in right field, offering a cost-effective solution.
- Oneil Cruz: Although primarily a shortstop, there's been talk of experimenting with Cruz in the outfield. His athleticism could translate well, though this would be more of a long-term project than an immediate fix.
Development Pipeline
Instead of splashing cash or trading away assets, the Pirates could turn to their farm system:
- Cal Mitchell: As one of the possible call-up candidates, Mitchell has been working on his power and defense. If he can translate his minor league success to the majors, he could be a budget-friendly right field option.
- Joshua Palacios: Another internal option, Palacios has had moments of success at the MLB level. His development could provide the Pirates with another look at right field without external investment.
Strategic Considerations
- Budget: The Pirates have historically been cautious with spending in free agency. Any significant moves would need to align with their financial strategy, potentially favoring short-term contracts or trades where the cost is in prospects rather than cash.
- Team Strategy: The Pirates are in a phase where they're looking to compete sooner rather than later. A veteran like Grichuk or a trade for someone like Verdugo could signal an intent to compete now, whereas developing internal talent might indicate a longer-term rebuild strategy.
- Roster Flexibility: With players like McCutchen returning, the Pirates need to ensure any new right fielder complements the existing lineup, both in terms of performance and clubhouse chemistry.
Conclusion
The Pittsburgh Pirates stand at a crossroads this offseason with several paths to improve their right field position. Whether through free agency, trades, or promoting from within, the choices made will reflect their strategy for the upcoming seasons. Balancing immediate impact with future potential will be key, especially in a division that's becoming increasingly competitive.
As we move closer to the new season, the decisions made by the Pirates' front office will be telling of their ambitions and could set the tone for their 2025 campaign.
Randal Grichuk's career stats
MLB free agency trends
more on internal options